League One

League 1 Predictions: Best Bets In Third Tier This Week

2 hours ago

| BY Tony Incenzo

A SIGNIFICANT managerial appointment impacts on EFL League One betting heading into the midweek programme.

Our top two sides prepare for winnable home games. And there is also important action concerning Play-Off and relegation issues.

Here are the upcoming pairings alongside considered score predictions to assist your football betting…

Cardiff City v AFC Wimbledon

Kick-off: 7.45pm
Rankings: 1st versus 15th

Cardiff City preview – Enjoying a four point cushion galvanised by 11 League matches undefeated which complements 12 victories among 17 EFL games. The Bluebirds are divisional foremost scorers amassing 58 goals.

AFC Wimbledon preview – Three unbeaten EFL outings see the Dons seven points clear of relegation peril. They haven’t lost in three ongoing away League fixtures either.

Score prediction: Cardiff capable 4-2.

Lincoln City v Northampton Town

Kick-off: 7.45pm
Rankings: 2nd versus 17th

Lincoln City preview – Hovering four points behind pole position whilst protecting a six point buffer ahead of that chasing Play-Off pack. The Imps boast 10 maximum pointers during 14 unconquered EFL contests. Saturday 4th October brought Lincoln’s sole home 2025/26 League loss going down 1-0 against Exeter City.

Northampton Town preview – Two points above the dreaded dotted relegation line. But the Cobblers’ current four game unbeaten League and Cup record is a promising upgrade on their preceding four straight defeats.

Score prediction: Lincoln lively 3-0.

Bradford City v Stockport County

Kick-off: 7.45pm
Rankings: 5th versus 4th

Bradford City preview – Two wins within three EFL affairs overturning three straight League defeats. So the Bantams lie 10 points short of coveted automatic promotion spots.

Stockport County preview – Mustering an eight match unbeaten League and Cup sequence incorporating six victories. In fact, one reverse across nine EFL encounters. Even so, County have nine points to make up on second place.

Score prediction: Enthralling 3-3.

Doncaster Rovers v Huddersfield Town

Kick-off: 7.45pm
Rankings: 20th versus 6th

Doncaster Rovers preview – Outside the drop zone by one point. Current form reflects two defeats from three EFL engagements.

Huddersfield Town preview – Saturday’s 1-0 setback at Stevenage was the first EFL failure for Terriers’ head coach Liam Manning beyond his 20th January arrival. He had previously overseen three League victories and one draw. Huddersfield hold a three point advantage on teams below Play-Off discussions.

Score prediction: Manning masterclass 2-0.

Reading v Bolton Wanderers

Kick-off: 8pm
Rankings: 7th versus 3rd

Reading preview – Three points shy of Play-Off participation. The Royals possess one defeat amid six League contests. In addition, they haven’t been beaten at home since early December.

Bolton Wanderers preview – Bolton have five wins peppering a seven match undefeated League spree. Furthermore, one loss throughout 10 EFL assignments.

Score prediction: Royals rule 1-0.

Wednesday 18th February 2026

Wigan Athletic v Luton Town

Kick-off: 7.45pm

Wigan Athletic preview – Monday saw the Latics reappoint Gary Caldwell as head coach. He was formerly in charge there a decade ago.

Caldwell said: “I came back because I love Wigan Athletic and I believe the team should occupy a much better position than it does. I believe I can take the club further up League One and – in the future – towards Premier League status.”

He replaces Ryan Lowe who was sacked on 7th February. Sitting two points beneath survival levels, Wigan haven’t won inside eight EFL matches – losing the past four.

Luton Town preview – Four points off the Play-Off region nursing three League defeats spanning five attempts. The Hatters’ last road trip success was 3-0 against Stockport County on Saturday 8th November.

Score prediction: Caldwell new manager bounce 2-1.